If their arrows blot out the sun…then we will fight in the shade.  (from the movie 300)

I’ve felt some arrows lately – arrows of anxiety, feelings of being overwhelmed, frustration just to name a few.  Each time one of these arrows comes at me I have to remember that God is in the shade with me to fight.  As a matter of fact I learn more each time I’m in the shade, it’s God who does all the fighting and I don’t have to be a fighter, just obedient.  Most times it seems the arrows aren’t even that deadly just bits of annoying wood, feathers and iron, but if left alone they can meld together for a slippery descent into depression or anger or any number of destructive emotions.

To give you an example I recently found a coupon for a dental cleaning and x-ray for $20.  I thought my teeth were in pretty good shape so I figured I’d use the coupon and be done with this final dental exam before moving (I have no idea what we’ll find, if anything, dental related in Kenya).  Well I did get the exam but came out with a $3,700 estimate for work they “suggested” I get done before leaving (and that doesn’t include the two wisdom teeth he said should come out).  That arrow of frustration hit me hard while in the dentist’s chair and I almost started crying right there, thinking I can’t pay for that so now all my teeth are going to fall out!

I actually told someone about a month ago that one of my niggling fears that keeps popping into my mind is “what if I lose a tooth in Kenya?” and this dental visit played right into that fear.  I had to do some quick prayer telling myself that God is in control, He will take care of my teeth, He will provide a way to fix them if that’s His will or give me the peace to live with it as is. 

For about 30 minutes I continued praying, reminding myself of all the times God provided for my needs; He gave me peace to continue on and gave me sufficient grace to face each trial.  You know what, I’m at peace with it.  I will continue to live each day for Him, pray that I won’t be a stumbling block for anyone and give Him the glory for all situations in my life.

Bring on the arrows – God and I are in the shade waiting!